UK inflation fell to 2.8% in April, helped by lower household energy costs, though economists warn fuel prices could rise again later this year.
The government confirmed it will not impose mandatory supermarket price caps despite talks with retailers about easing food costs.
UK unemployment has risen to 5% while wage growth slowed, increasing concerns about the economy.
The latest government report on High Speed Two says the rail project now faces further delays and rising costs.
Surrey Police launched a criminal investigation into UK-linked abuse allegations connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
Nigel Farage is facing criticism after reportedly staying out of the spotlight during key political campaigning.
Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure from Labour MPs following poor election results and cabinet resignations.
The Royal Navy completed major drone and missile exercises with Norway in Arctic fjords.
Analysts say Britain is facing growing political instability, with public frustration rising over the economy, immigration and public services.
Here are 10 short world news updates for today:
The WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a global public health emergency.
Tensions remain high in the Middle East as Iran warned conflict could spread if U.S. military action resumes.
Global oil markets are unstable due to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, affecting energy prices worldwide.
The World Health Organization opened its annual World Health Assembly in Geneva this week.
Switzerland was ranked the world’s best country in the 2026 global rankings by U.S. News.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations continue across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico with new ticket and fan updates released.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 concluded in Vienna after its 70th anniversary edition.
A hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship near Antarctica has caused multiple deaths and international evacuations.
Botswana hosted the 2026 World Athletics Relays, marking the first time the event was held in Africa.
News
Al Mustafa Welfare Trust Inaugurates Major Water Purification Project at Hazara University
Sajjad Azhar
Mansehra
A new RO water filtration plant was inaugurated at Hazara University by Abdul Razzaq Sajid, Chairman of Al Mustafa Welfare Trust, along with Sardar Yousaf Khan.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Abdul Razzaq Sajid said that the project is the second water purification plant established by Al Mustafa Welfare Trust in the Hazara Division. He stated that more than 14,000 students and faculty members at Hazara University would benefit from the facility.
He further said that Al Mustafa Welfare Trust has already been serving the people of Hazara through its hospital, where hundreds of patients visit daily and receive free eye surgeries. After reviewing patient data, the organization found that contaminated water was one of the major causes of diseases in the region.
“We are not only treating patients but are also addressing the root causes of diseases,” he remarked.
Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf appreciated the welfare and charitable services being carried out by Al Mustafa Welfare Trust in his constituency and assured the organization of his full support and cooperation.
Dean Faculty of Arts at Hazara University, Professor Dr. Shakir, thanked Al Mustafa Welfare Trust for its contribution and said that Hazara University extends its full support to the organization’s humanitarian initiatives.
Managing Director of Al Mustafa Welfare Trust, Nusrat Saleem, said that the organization has also launched olive plantation projects in Hazara and installed more than 30 community wells in different areas.
The ceremony was hosted by Nawaz Kharl. Among those present were trustee Rubina Khawaja, journalist Sajjad Azhar, and Operational Manager Syed Farrukh Zafar.

Wajahat Ali Khan
As of May 13, 2026, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is fighting to remain in office, facing intense pressure from within the Labour party to resign or set a departure timeline following disastrous local election results where Labour lost nearly 1,500 councillors. Despite over 80 MPs calling for him to quit, including resignations from four ministers (Jess Phillips, Zubir Ahmed, Alex Davies-Jones, Miatta Fahnbulleh), Starmer has refused to resign, forcing potential rivals to formally challenge his leadership.
Hon. Catherine West MP has announced that she is ready to challenge Rt. Hon. Sir. Keir Starmer MP, Prime Minister if he doesn’t announce his resignation and timetable of new leadership election of Labour Party.
She needs 81 MP’s to support her and signed her letter. Once 81 MP’s announce her support then Chairwoman of Labour Party will ask for nominations and Election process of new Leader/Prime Minister will start.
Hon. Catherine West MP has announced that she is ready to challenge Rt. Hon. Sir. Keir Starmer MP, Prime Minister if he doesn’t announce his resignation and timetable of new leadership election of Labour Party.
She needs 81 MP’s to support her and signed her letter. Once 81 MP’s announce her support then Chairwoman of Labour Party will ask for nominations and Election process of new Leader/Prime Minister will start.
1st Anniversary of Marka-e-Haq commemorated at Pakistan High Commission, London
City reporter
The High Commission for Pakistan in London commemorated the 1st Anniversary of Marka-e-Haq at a ceremony held in London. The event was attended by British Parliamentarians, Pakistan-origin Councillors, businessmen, officers of the High Commission, media representatives and a large number of prominent members of Pakistani diaspora in UK. In his key-note address, Pakistan’s Acting High Commissioner to the UK, Mr. Haseeb bin Aziz stated that this gathering pays highest tribute to Pakistan’s heroic Armed Forces; our fearless soldiers, sailors, and airmen, who stood as an iron shield in defence of our sacred land. With unmatched courage, unwavering resolve, and exemplary professionalism, the Armed Forces of Pakistan upheld the dignity and honour of the green and white flag.
During Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, their response was swift, decisive, and precise; demonstrating a level of operational excellence that earned recognition across the world. He also appreciated the Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom, who stood as true Ambassadors of Pakistan by defending homeland with conviction, and demonstrating unwavering solidarity. Defence & Naval Adviser, Cdre. Jawad Khawaja SI(M) SBt. and Army & Air Adviser Col. Mohsin Waqar in their remarks stated that Pakistan’s defence forces, in exemplary unison, thwarted nefarious designs of the enemy and protected the sovereignty of Pakistan.
Minister (Press), Mr. Ali Nawaz Malik briefed the audience about effective measures taken by the Pakistan High Commission in keeping British media informed during Marka-e-Haq and presenting Pakistan’s firm & principled stance to counter false narrative propagated by India through media. Representatives of Pakistani Community in UK paid glowing tributes to the Armed Forces of Pakistan, political leadership and the entire nation who stood resolute and united during Marka-e-Haq.
The gathering pledged that Marka-e-Haq will continue to unite the nation towards building a stronger and more resilient Pakistan.

Zain Ali Khan
London
Last Tuesday the government has announced a sweeping new set of laws aimed at reforming the National Health Service (NHS), marking one of the biggest changes to the healthcare system in recent years. The new legislation, introduced in Parliament yesterday, focuses on reducing long waiting lists, strengthening patient rights, and improving staff working conditions. Ministers say the reforms are designed to modernize the NHS and prepare it for growing healthcare demands across the country. Under the proposed laws, hospitals and local health authorities will face stricter performance targets. Patients are expected to receive faster appointments, while emergency departments could be required to meet new maximum waiting-time standards. Health Secretary James Whitmore described the reforms as “a turning point for public healthcare.”
“These laws will ensure patients receive quicker, safer, and more efficient treatment while giving healthcare workers the support they deserve,” he said during a press conference in Westminster. Among the most significant measures are plans to expand digital healthcare services, increase transparency in hospital management, and introduce stronger inspections for underperforming NHS trusts. The reforms also include additional funding for mental health services and a nationwide recruitment campaign aimed at addressing shortages of doctors and nurses.
However, critics argue that the changes may place extra pressure on already overstretched staff. Opposition leaders warned that without long-term investment, the laws alone may not solve the NHS crisis.
Healthcare unions reacted cautiously, welcoming efforts to improve patient care but calling for clearer details on staffing and funding. Political analysts say the legislation could become a major issue ahead of the next general election, with public satisfaction in healthcare remaining a key concern for voters. The bill is expected to face several debates in Parliament over the coming weeks before MPs vote on its final approval.
Al Mustafa’s Mosque Project Bringing Hope to Desert Communities in Tharparkar
Bureau Report
Tharparkar
Al Mustafa Welfare Trust has continued its mission of serving underprivileged communities in the desert region of Tharparkar through the construction of mosques in remote and impoverished settlements. The mosque project, which has been underway for several years, has already completed a significant number of mosques across the region.
These mosques are providing local desert-dwelling Muslim communities with peaceful places for worship, where residents offer prayers and express heartfelt gratitude for the efforts of the Al Mustafa team and its generous donors.
During her recent visit to Tharparkar, Managing Director of Al Mustafa Pakistan, Nusrat Saleem, accompanied by donors, inspected several completed mosques and met with Imams and worshippers serving and attending the mosques. Local residents warmly thanked Al Mustafa for supporting their communities through the construction of these places of worship and offered sincere prayers for the donors.
The minarets of the mosques built by Al Mustafa now echo five times a day with the calls of “Allahu Akbar” and “Hayya ‘alal Falah,” creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere in the desert region. The ongoing prayers and acts of worship in these mosques continue to serve as a lasting source of blessings and reward for the donors who made the project possible.
Photography: Nasir Iqbal
Pakistan Consulate General celebrates Marka-e-Haq anniversary in Manchester
Tajammul Gurmani
The Pakistan Consulate General celebrated the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq at Alma Lodge Hotel in Manchester. Prominent speakers who addressed the occasion included MP Afzal Khan, Consul General Imtiaz Feroz Gondal, Dr Liaquat Malik, Vice Chairman Overseas Pakistani Commission Punjab Barrister Amjad Malik, Iltaf Shahid, Shuaib Khan, Mian Aamir, Mahmood Khan, Hamid Al Mashriqi and others. Community leaders including Dr Younas Parwaz, Allama Muzamil Shah, Cllr Shahbaz Sarwar, Tahir Sadique Chaudhry, Raja Nijabat Hussain, Chaudhry Abdul Karim and Ustad Safdar also attended the event. A cake-cutting ceremony was also held.
Consul General Imtiaz Feroz Gondal hailed the services of overseas Pakistanis for the country and said they have strong roots with their motherland. “We have gathered here only for Pakistan. We are proud of our military,” he said. MP Afzal Khan said that nobody can defeat the Pakistan military. “Their officers are very brave and they have also sacrificed for their country. We are proud of the Pakistani military’s capability,” he added. Barrister Amjad Malik said that unity, discipline and faith should be followed in all ranks. He also praised Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Shehbaz Sharif for his mediator role during the US-Iran talks in Islamabad.

Nisar Kallu
Al Mustafa Canada, represented by its Director, Muhammad Nisar Kallu, alongside Sarfraz Bajwa Sahib, Chairman of Masjid Rahmatul-lil-Alameen, had the honour of welcoming Fares Al Soud, Member of Parliament (MP) for Mississauga Centre, to our office and Community Food Bank in Mississauga.
During his visit, MP Al Soud met with members of our team, toured our facilities, and gained insight into the impactful work Al Mustafa Canada is undertaking to support vulnerable individuals and families both locally and internationally. The visit provided an opportunity to highlight our ongoing food bank operations, community outreach initiatives, and broader humanitarian programs, while also fostering meaningful discussion on the importance of community partnership, civic engagement, and social responsibility. We sincerely
appreciate MP Al Soud’s time, engagement, and interest in the mission of Al Mustafa Canada.

Tajammul Gurmani
Manchester
Member of Parliament Afzal Khan has said that the national government is responsible for the defeat of the Labour Party in the local elections in Manchester City, but the Green Party will never take over Manchester Council because the current Labour council’s performance is very good. He was talking to this correspondent after the defeat of the Labour Party in the local elections.
To a query about who is responsible for the defeat of the Labour Party, the national leadership or the councillors themselves? MP Afzal Khan said: “I think if you look at the performance throughout the country, then you have to say that the responsibility lies with the national government. It’s also because you are in the midterm. People usually give their response according to how they feel about the government. Any government, whether Labour or Conservative, gets that response, and it’s a clear message that the public are currently not happy.”
About another query that the Green Party can take over Manchester City Council in the future, he said: “My answer would be that you can never say never, but if you look at history, I think it’s very clear for 40 or 50 years now. The performance of the current Labour council in Manchester has been very good. This is one of the best-performing cities in the country, and one of the best cities where people want to come and live. It is internationally renowned. So, I think we’ve done a huge amount for the city. This is a temporary setback. I think we have recovered before. He said that Green Party don’t have the substance. They don’t have the ability to govern; they don’t have the experience as well. Even those people who have been elected now, on the 7th of May, you will see that half of them do not have a clue what to do. So, I don’t feel that there is any threat. I think the Labour Party will regroup, and they’ll perform much better in the next election.”
When asked whether the Green Party can win in his constituency in the future, he said: “No, I don’t think they can win the seat. I think I’m a very good MP. I perform well; I serve people’s issues well. I also handle a lot of important cases. For the last 25 years, I’ve been regularly winning, and I hold the record for receiving the highest number of votes in the city of Manchester” he concluded.